After a car accident, time can feel blurry. Pain may surface days later, and legal deadlines move faster than expected. Knowing how long after a car accident you can claim injury helps you protect your health and your right to recover.
Every situation follows its own timeline, but the law gives only a limited window to take action. If you let that window close, your ability to bring a claim may disappear.
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you understand what those deadlines mean and guide you through the steps that keep your case strong.
Why Some Injuries Take Time to Appear
Not every injury shows up immediately. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, or internal pain can surface hours or days later. Shock and adrenaline mask symptoms at first, leaving you unaware of the full extent of your injuries.
For example, someone might walk away from a crash feeling fine, only to wake up days later with neck stiffness, migraines, or back pain. When that happens, the timeline for filing a claim can still apply, but documentation becomes even more important.
A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can review your medical records, treatment notes, and symptom history to confirm how the crash caused your injuries. Keep track of every appointment and update so your case reflects the full picture of your recovery.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injuries in California
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. This law applies to most car accident cases involving negligence.
If your injury involves a government vehicle or employee, the deadline shortens. You must file a government claim within six months and receive a response before pursuing a lawsuit in court.
Delays can cost you the right to recover damages. A lawyer tracks these deadlines while you focus on recovery and makes sure every filing happens on time and in the correct order.
Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
Certain circumstances allow extra time to file a claim. California law recognizes that some injuries or situations delay discovery or decision-making. These exceptions include:
- Delayed discovery: If you did not realize you were injured, or that the crash caused your injuries until later, the two-year limit may start from the date you reasonably discovered or should have discovered that connection.
- Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the timeline begins on their 18th birthday.
- Defendants who leave the state: If the person responsible leaves California, the clock pauses until they return.
These exceptions are narrow, and courts interpret them carefully. An early conversation with an attorney helps confirm which deadlines apply to your specific situation.
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Evidence That Strengthens Your Injury Claim
Strong evidence tells the story of your accident and recovery. Without it, insurers may question your injuries or minimize their impact. Useful documentation includes the following:
- Medical records and treatment summaries
- Photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene
- Witness statements and police reports
- Receipts for medical care, repairs, and lost income
A Los Angeles car accident attorney can collect and organize this information while you focus on healing. Their role includes verifying that your injuries are clearly linked to the crash and showing how those injuries changed your daily life.
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Why Acting Quickly Matters
Every day that passes after an accident can make details harder to recover. Skid marks fade, cameras record over old footage, and witnesses move away. Quick action preserves valuable evidence that can make or break your case.
Fast responses also protect your credibility. When you seek treatment right away and communicate clearly about your injuries, it demonstrates honesty and consistency. Insurers often test timelines, looking for any delay to suggest your injuries came from something else.
You do not have to make every decision immediately. Timely steps such as visiting doctors, saving paperwork, and reaching out for help create a solid foundation for your claim.
How a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Helps
A Los Angeles car accident attorney serves as your guide through every part of the process. They evaluate evidence, identify deadlines, and protect you from insurance tactics that try to reduce your recovery.
An attorney also coordinates with your medical providers and experts to understand how your injuries affect your long-term health. That information strengthens your claim for both current and future damages.
When an attorney builds a case prepared for trial, insurance companies take it seriously. That readiness often leads to fair settlements without needing to go to court.
When Pain Appears Weeks After a Crash
Sometimes pain or discomfort doesn’t surface until weeks later. You might notice new headaches, dizziness, or joint pain long after the crash. These late-emerging symptoms can still be part of a valid claim if documented properly.
Medical professionals can help connect the delayed pain to your original accident. Their reports link the cause and effect, even if symptoms appeared later.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations still runs from the date of the accident unless the doctrine of delayed discovery applies. You should seek medical attention as soon as new symptoms appear to protect both your health and your legal options.
Compensation You May Recover After a Car Accident
When another driver’s negligence causes injury, you may recover compensation for the following:
- Reimbursement for past and future medical treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle and other belongings
- Pain and suffering you experienced and continue to endure
- Scarring, disfigurement, or emotional trauma
- Punitive damages for reckless or intentional conduct
The value of your claim depends on how the accident affected your life, not only the medical costs you faced immediately.
Find Out How Long You Have to Act
Questions about how long after a car accident you can claim injury don’t have simple answers. The right timeline depends on your injuries, your treatment, and the details of your case. What matters most is protecting your right to recover before time runs out.
At Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers, we’ve obtained over $2 billion for previous clients and bring more than 300 years of combined experience to every case. That background gives us the insight to act quickly and build claims that last.
If you’re unsure how much time you have, talk with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our team. We’ll help you understand where you stand and pursue Justice. Accountability. Results.
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